Stormwater Management

Bowling Green faces unique challenges with respect to stormwater management. Warren County is located in a karst region that is typified by caves, sinkholes, springs, underground streams and other karst features. The Bowling Green and Warren County area has very few surface streams and rivers.

You can learn more about our karst landscape through our partnership with WKU at Underbgky.org.

The usage of streams and storm sewer systems are the conventional method of handling urban Stormwater. Bowling Green is challenged with the lack of such conveyance means. As a result, other methods of Stormwater management must be employed. A major concern with alternative methods is water quality. Bowling Green’s Phase II efforts will require changes and will result in improved water quality.

You can learn more about the Environmental Compliance Division with this video.

Private Stormwater Basin Maintenance Assistance Program

As part of a new policy, the Department of Public Works is offering one-time funding toward private retention / detention basin maintenance support in order to promote the health of Bowling Green's overall stormwater system. Citizens can nominate basins on their property for funding during the annually announced application period. Please read through the complete policy.
For more information, or
to nominate a basin in need of maintenance, contact Stormwater Management at (270) 393-3071.

Events

EPSC Certification events are held several times throughout the year. You can check on the list below to see about upcoming events. If you would like to register for an upcoming event click on the links below.

Stormwater Control Measures

On 10 March 2003, the City of Bowling Green submitted their Phase II permit to the Kentucky Division of Water. This permit is designed to improve water quality from our storm system or MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System). The permit requires the City address six areas, or control measures. The six control measures are:

Several tasks and activities have been identified within each control measure. The ultimate goal of each control measure is to reduce the impact storm water has on our local receiving streams, namely Barren River and Drakes Creek. Drakes Creeks drains to the Barren River, which is the sole source of our drinking water.

US EPA Drainage Well Inventory Form

New Post-Construction Regulations

New Stormwater regulations for post-construction became effective 31 March 2008. As of that date, all development that disturbs more than one acre of ground and has more than 10,000 square feet of impervious surface must reduce total suspended solids coming off the completed development by 80%. The City hosted training on these regulations on 26 March 2008. Questions regarding this ordinance should be directed to Josh Hankins at (270) 393-3099 or Matt Powell at (270) 393-3071.